The science of clergy
work-related psychological
health: theory, assessment,
and evidence
Leslie J Francis
University of Warwick, UK
Structure
 Conceptual framework
 Models and theories
 Empirical studies
 Empirical evidence
 Key conclusion
PART ONE
Conceptual framework
 Psychology and theology in conversation
 Empirical theology
 Theology of individual difference
Empirical theology
 A way of discerning God’s activity in God’s world
 Mark 4: 3-9
Theology of individual
difference
 Strong doctrine of creation
 Doctrine of fall
 Doctrine of salvation
 Genesis 1: 27
PART TWO
Models of clergy workrelated psychological health
 Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)
 Maslach Burnout Inventory-Revised (MBI-R)
 Francis Burnout Inventory (FBI)
MBI
 Three components
 Emotional exhaustion
 Depersonalisation
 Low personal accomplishment
 Sequential model
MBI problems
 Factor structure
 Relevance to clergy
 Scales unequal in length
 Validating sequential model
 Practical application
MBI-R
 Items adapted for clergy
 Scales balanced in length
 Scoring mode clarified
FBI
 Two components
 Negative affect (SEEM)
 Positive affect (SIMS)
 Balanced affect
FBI strengths
 Developed specially for clergy
 Model can be validated
 Practical application
PART THREE
Studies employing measure
 MBI
 MBI-R
 FBI
MBI
 16 studies between 1984 and 2013
 Mainly in the USA
 South Africa
 Italy
MBI-R
 12 studies between 2000 and 2007
 All in UK
 Anglican
 Catholic
 Pentecostal
FBI
 11 studies between 2005 and 2013
 UK
 USA
 Australia
PART FOUR
Discussing the findings
 Personal factors
 Environmental factors
 Theological factors
 Psychological factors
 Health-related strategies
Personal factors
 Age
 Sex
Environmental factors
 Rural ministry
Theological factors
 Liberal or conservative
 Evangelical or catholic
 Charismatic or not charismatic
Psychological factors
 Cattell
 Big Five
 Eysenck
 Jung
Health-related strategies 1
Turton, D. W., & Francis, L. J. (2007). The relationship between
attitude toward prayer and professional burnout among Anglican
parochial clergy in England: Are praying clergy healthier clergy?
Mental Health, Religion and Culture, 10, 61-74.
Health-related strategies 2
Francis, L. J. & Turton, D. W. (2004b). Reflective ministry and
empirical theology: Antidote to clergy stress? In C. A. M. Hermans,
& M. E. Moore (Eds.), Hermeneutics and empirical research in
practical theology: The contribution of empirical theology by
Johannes A van der Ven (pp. 245-265). Leiden: Brill.
Health-related strategies 3
Francis, L. J., Turton, D. W., & Louden, S. H. (2007). Dogs, cats and
Catholic parochial clergy in England and Wales: Exploring the
relationship between companion animals and work-related
psychological health. Mental Health, Religion and Culture, 10, 4760.
PART FIVE
Key conclusion
 Psychological factors are key
 Theological implications
 Practical implications
The science of clergy
work-related psychological
health: theory, assessment,
and evidence
Leslie J Francis
University of Warwick, UK